The Best Around

Admiral Taylor: We’re going to need help if we hope to figure out Garrosh’s plans for Pandaria.

I have someone specific in mind, but he will not be easy to convince.

Agent Connelly considers himself retired, but one does not simply leave the SI:7. We’ve had an undercover agent following his every move for months.

Currently, he is disguising himself as a high roller at Bizmo’s Brawlpub. Something about settling an old debt.

Meet with our undercover agent in the Brawler’s Guild.

Objectives

Report to undercover agent Townsley in Bizmo’s Brawlpub in the Stormwind side of Deeprun Tram.

Progression

Admiral Taylor: Time is of the essence, (name). Proveditor Grantley may be able to help you get back to Stormwind. Of course, everything has a price.

Proveditor Grantley: Hey (class), you looking to go to Stormwind? Travel fast with one of my portals! If you ain’t got the commissions, you’ll have to get there on your own.

Note: You require five Dominance Offensive commissions to buy Portal Reagents: Stormwind from Proveditor Grantley. Kill a few Horde near the beach. Each randomly drops 1-4 commissions. The portal takes you to the Valley of Heroes. Fly toward the Deep Tram. Drop down at the tram tracks. Head to the left. There’s an entrance to the underground Bizmo’s Brawlpub (Brawler’s Guild).

(Bizmo’s Brawlpub located: 1/1)

Barkeep Townsley: Can I get you something to drink?

(Are you the agent that is following Connelly?)

Barkeep Townsley: Shhhhh! You’ll blow my cover!

(Agent Townsley located: 1/1)

Completion

Barkeep Townsley: Following Connelly has been interesting to say the least. The man is a master of disguise!

Talking him into joining you won’t be the hard part, (class). Figuring out which of these lively individuals is him will be next to impossible.

To Catch A Spy

Barkeep Townsley: Now, I could tell you who Connelly is, but that would be too easy! To catch a spy you have to think like a spy.

You have to pass the test first!

The small things can say a lot about a person. It’s all in the details.

I’m going to give you a drink to deliver. I will give you a small detail about something the recipient is wearing. From there it will be up to you.

Be careful who you pick to give drinks to. People here tend to get pretty hostile if you give them the wrong order!

Objectives

Deliver the Pink Marmot, the Mogu Melon Twist, and the Rusty Dagger to the correct patron.

Progression

Note: After accepting the quest, talk again to Barkeep Townsley. She will give you a hint, and three dialogue markers appear on the mini-map. Choose which of the three NPCs is the correct patron. Takes a bit of trial and error. Each clue might be random.

(I’m ready for the first clue.)

Barkeep Townsley: They say eyes are the window to the soul. If that’s the case, I’m guessing this guest and his soul have something to hide.

Note: The human guy with the pink sunglasses is the correct patron.

(Is this your drink order?)

Keith “The Party” Westin: It’s about time! I’m parched over here!

(Pink Marmot delivered: 1/1)

Note: Talk to Barkeep Townsley again for the next clue.

(Ok, hit me with another clue.)

Barkeep Townsley: This guest wears a memento of a love lost. I guess it’s true what they say; every love story has its thorns, just like every night has its dawn.

Note: ROFL, easter egg detected! This is part of the lyrics from POISON (1988) – Every Rose Has It’s Thorn: “every love story has its thorns, just like every night has its dawn”. It’s also sung by Miley Cyrus.

(You didn’t happen to order a Rusty Dagger did you?)

Twix Gearspark: It’s about time you showed up with this!

(Rusty Dagger delivered: 1/1)

Note: Talk to Barkeep Townsley for the next clue.

(I got this! Give me the last clue.)

Barkeep Townsley: It’s best not to get on the bad side of those that prepare food. However, I’m not sure this patron has anything but a bad side…

(Does this drink belong to you?)

Tasha Windpaw: Of course it’s my drink! I invented this ya know!

(Mogu Melon Twist delivered: 1/1)

Completion

Barkeep Townsley: You have a keen eye, (class)! I think you are ready to meet Connelly.

Stirred. Not Shaken

Barkeep Townsley: Alright, I’ll tell you how to find Connelly.

Agent Connelly is currently posing as the high roller, Professor Kilt. He spends most of his time in the Boom Room. Rumor has it he’s after one of the fighters for some long forgotten betrayal.

Unfortunately, the lounge is by invitation only. Lucky for you I just happen to have an invitation.

Try not to look too obvious when you walk past the bouncers. If you get caught you didn’t get this pass from me.

In fact you and I have never met!

Objectives

Find Professor Kilt in the Boom Room in Bizmo’s Brawlpub.

Progression

Go back to the area where you recently talked to the female gnome Trix Gearspark. At the end of the hallway, on the corner there is a hidden door to the stairway. Go upstairs, and you will find Professor Kilt at the end by a table.

Completion

(Professor Kilt located: 1/1)

Professor Kilt: So the SI:7 needs a reminder in what the word retirement means?

I suppose they wouldn’t be comin’ to me if the situation weren’t dire.

I’ll help, but I’ll need a few days to gather some intel.

(Operation: Shieldwall Achievement Progress: The Man With A Thousand Faces)

Objectives

Progression

Note: The best option is to find the Marshal and Hilda first. Each will be ambushed, making it easy to kill a few Horde with the assistance of King Varian, and a bunch of Alliance soldiers. Kill the remaining Horde to complete the quest. Varian will attack each target you engage, so don’t stick to just one target.

Marshal Troteman: Brace yourselves, they’re coming back around!

(Marshal Troteman found: 1/1)

King Varian: We aren’t giving those savages an inch of ground. Not while I’m still alive. Troteman, you old dog, I knew I’d find you stirring up trouble.

The survey team has done well. This is an ideal deep-water port.

I want to see a tower built right here. Marshal, see to it that you hold this position until construction is complete. Now, let’s see to our supplies …

Hilda Hornswaggle: Explorer’s League reporting in, sir!

(Hilda Hornswaggle found: 1/1)

King Varian: I’m glad to see you contribute to the war effort. But I need supplies. What have you got?

Hilda Hornswaggle: Plenty of stone, aye. But no sign of major ore veins in this whole area.

King Varian: I’ll make a deal with you, Hornswaggle. Help my men get a stone quarry operation running, and we’ll protect your dig site.

Hilda Hornswaggle: You mean it? Oh, I cannae WAIT to see the look on Brann’s face when he finds out I got an excavation green-lit by the King himself! You’ll have your quarry by next sundown!

King Varian: Hm. I used to think leadership was all about strength. I see things more clearly now – it’s a little bit of give, a little bit of take. It’s about binding people together. A bundle of sticks is not easily broken.

Completion

King Varian: I’m satisfied with this site. It’s time to bring in our fleet.

Lion’s Landing

King Varian: For too long the Horde has been allowed to run rampant across Azeroth. I will not see these new lands conquered by some barbaric “warchief.”

Are you ready to bring Alliance justice to the shores of Pandaria?

Let us return to the landing site. Use the flare launcher to bring in the fleet proper, and begin Operation: Shieldwall.

Objectives

Use the Flare Launcher in Krasarang Cove to signal the Alliance fleet.

Progression

King Varian: Everything is in place. We’ll construct a town center on this peninsula, using resources from along the coast. From here we can reach out to the natives and keep Horde progression in check.

Champion! Without your pioneering efforts on Pandaria, this foothold wouldn’t have been possible. The honor is yours. Signal the fleet.

Completion

(Blue sails are barely visible on the horizon – the full might of the Alliance fleet, awaiting one final signal.)

(Operation: Shieldwall Achievement Progress: Lion’s Landing)

(Cinematic plays: The fleet arrives upon the beach.)

Note: Lion’s Landing stronghold is built behind-the-scenes.

Epilogue

King Varian: Marshal, excellent work fortifying the harbor. Our next priority is-

Anduin Wrynn yells: Father!

King Varian: What-?

(King Varian kneels before Anduin.)

King Varian: Anduin … you’re safe …

Prince Anduin: Father, you can’t do this. All the hatred and anger our war brings here – it poisons this place.

King Varian: Easy, son. We’re fighting a different war now. This isn’t about hatred of the Horde. This is about a love of what’s right. About doing what needs to be done.

Prince Anduin: This land is – different than ours. It’s a treasure.

King Varian: Then we’ll protect it with our lives. Son, I need you with me on this. We in this together?

Prince Anduin: Together …

Hilda Hornswaggle: Yer Majesty! The Horde, they’ve holed up in a temple west of here. Night elf rangers have surrounded it and locked it down …

King Varian: Rangers? … Tyrande.

Prince Anduin: Father! You can’t let them turn the Crane Temple into a war zone! That place is still recovering from a sha infestation …

Hilda Hornswaggle: AND it’s a historical treasure trove.

King Varian: Everyone, calm down. This sounds like one of Garrosh’s traps. He’s trying to lure us from the beach. Troteman? Round me up some peasants and a mortar team, and don’t let down your guard.

Prince Anduin: But father-

King Varian: I’ll bring a small group of champions with me and talk to Tyrande myself, Anduin. I can handle this. I need you to trust that I’m going to do the right thing here.

One of the random daily quest sub-zones is the Ogudei Ruins found beneath the mining tunnels near Lion’s Landing in Krasarang Wilds.

Priorities People!

Marshal Troteman: When I ordered the excavation of the tunnel to the northwest, I thought we’d find something useful. Gold, Iron … anything!

Instead, we found mogu artifacts, and I get a bunch of dwarves from the Explorer’s League to baby-sit.

I hear from the soldiers that there’s trouble in the mines. I have orders from Wrynn that I have to support the Explorer’s League, but I can’t spare any troops. Can you get down there and find out what’s going on?

Objectives

Meet with Hilda Hornswaggle at the Ruins of Ogudei.

Completion

Hilda Hornswaggle: Oi! We got a right nasty problem here. Kicked the hornet’s nest. Except these are mogu ghost hornets with a mean streak a bloodly mile wide!

The Spirit Trap

Hilda Hornswaggle: In the ruins there are a bunch of right nasty blue crystals. Look at ’em the wrong way and bloody angry ghosts run out at ya.

I’m gonna be needing ye’ to go in and clear some of them out so we can get our people back to work.

Objectives

Destroy 3 Spirit Traps.

Progression

Note: These are located on the second floor downstairs. Usually inside the small deadend caves by the corners. They are floating blue crystals. When attacked, they randomly shoot a bolt on the ground to draw a rune. From the rune spawns a Howling Spirit (ancient mogu ghosts). Best way to handle this if you are ranged dps is to stand at max range and shoot. These spirits don’t have a long aggro range, and will just stand by the crystal.

Completion

Hilda Hornswaggle: Those things are nasty! Thanks for takin’ care of ’em for us.

Shackles of the Past

Hilda Hornswaggle: The mogu are a bunch of right bastards!

They enslaved the pandaren who worked these caves even after their death. Ye’ gotta go free their spirits! It’s just not right.

Be careful though … so much trauma, they don’t know what’s a friend and what’s an enemy. So they’ll probably fight back.

Objectives

Free 14 Troubled Slave Spirits.

Completion

Hilda Hornswaggle: Ye’ did good work out there. It’s not right seein’ the dead unable to rest like that.

Eviction Notice

Hilda Hornswaggle: The bloody Reliquary’s snuck into the ruins. They’ve taken the lower section and are conducting all kinds of magical shenanigans down there.

It’s time we gave ’em an eviction notice, in the form of your boot in their rear!

Objectives

Kill any 12 members of the Reliquary in the Ruins of Ogudei.

Progression

Note: The entrance to the Reliquary is next to the stairs. Pull them to safe distance. There are patrols of two mobs. Reliquary Blood Knights can self-heal. Interrupt those.

Completion

Hilda Hornswaggle: Ha! That should send ’em runnin’ back to Silvermoon with their tail ‘tween their legs!

Oi Ain’t Afraid O’ No Ghosts!

Hilda Hornswaggle: Look. We got a nasty problem here, and ol’ Troteman back at Lion’s Landing’s gonna throw us out of here if we don’t get things under control.

Give us a hand, please!

Objectives

Kill 12 Spiritbound Mogu.

Completion

Hilda Hornswaggle: Alright! We’ll be back up and runnin’ in no time!

Ogudei’s Lieutenants

Hilda Hornswaggle: When we dug through to an ancient section of the mogu ruins, that’s when all this nasty business went down – and that’s wheer the two worst o’ these ghosties emerged.

We need them gone, friend.

Objectives

Kill Meng-do, Strength of Mountains, and Gen-li, Twister of Words.

Progression

Note: Check out the video for the route to reach these lieutenants. They are on the second floor.

Bug Off!

Bixy Buzzsaw: This cave is crawlin’ with nasty shale spiders! How’s a girl supposed to get any work done with them gobbling up the miners AND the ore?!

This seemed like a good opportunity to use my newest invention, Bug Off. See, all you have to do is spray this stuff all over the shale spiders. They hate it and it doesn’t seem to have many long term side-effects for the miners?

In this episode of the Dominance Offensive achievement, the story takes us to the Silvermoon City where Lor’Themar Theron has requested Archmage Aethas Sunreaver to offer his expertise in magic to decipher the puzzle box located at the Farstrider Square’s basement (Where M’uru used to be at).

This story seems to hint at the uprising of the Blood Elves against Garrosh. Archmage Aethas Sunreaver discovers the only way to use the mogu box and their magic is to capture souls. This is something grotesque the Blood Elves are certain they can’t let Garrosh put them through. This is not the path any should ever take. It’s compared to the path Prince Kael’thas Sunstrider took their race through.

Get My Results!

General Nazgrim: Ah, (name). The Warchief has instructed me to dispatch you to Silvermoon.

He grows impatient with the progress of Lor’themar’s research and feels they might benefit from your … unique … experiences with the mogu.

Go to Silvermoon and demand that Lor’themar increase the speed of his research.

Objectives

Speak with Lor’themar Theron in Silvermoon City.

Progression

Note: Use the hearthstone to Shrine of Two Moons. Walk to the second floor and take the portal to Silvermoon City.

Completion

Lor’themar Theron: The Warchief “demands” progress? His impatience is growing more destructive with each command.

As it stands, we could use your expertise.

What’s in the Box?

Lor’themar Sunstrider: We are trying to uncover the secrets of one of the mogu artifacts Garrosh insisted we investigate. It is proving most difficult, as anyone who probes it magically is greatly affected by raw, negative emotions.

I called in the assistance of Archmage Aethas of the Sunreavers in the hopes that he and Rommath could crack this puzzle. They asked for you specifically – apparently you have some relevant experience?

Go to the chamber below Farstrider Square east of here and see if you can assist them.

Objectives

Assist with Aethas and Rommath’s experiment.

Progression

Note: Head toward the Farstrider Square district. At the left corner when you enter the district is the entrance to the basement. At the entrance is one of those Mechanar robots: the Arcanis Mechanica.

Grand Magister Rommath: Jaina Proudmoore now sits as head of the Kirin Tor and rules Dalaran.

That puts the citadel square in the hands of the Alliance no matter how much Aethas brags about neutrality.

This young upstart may have forgotten, but the Alliance tried to imprison and massacre our people during the third war.

Forgive me if I do not share his faith in their … “neutrality”.

(Lor’themar wants a status update on the experiment.)

Grand Magister Rommath: This Korune device is similar to the fel crystals we once used to enslave demonic energies. Demon or angry spirit or elemental manifestation of an emotion, the principle is relatively the same.

We need to see how intact the entity stored within this artifact is, however. Since you have experience with the mogu and the other dangers of Pandaria, would you be so kind as to do the honors?

We have already disabled most of the protective wards. Simply adjust the intensifier disc on the artifact and be ready for anything that comes out.

(Speak with Grand Magister Rommath: 1/1)

Archmage Aethas Sunreaver: Silvermoon has been allies with Dalaran for over 2000 years. It is not a friendship we should idly toss aside at the whim of our ‘esteemed’ Warchief Garrosh.

Oh … are you here about the artifact?

(Lore’themar wants a status update on the experiment.)

Archmage Aethas Sunreaver: Lor’themar wants a status update? Or is it his master Garrosh?

You should tell them both that this experiment is a waste of time. The mogu drew power by enslaving the living essence of other creatures. Is this something our Warchief should be dabbling in?

This is the same road Kael’thas Sunstrider once walked, and it nearly destroyed our people. Why are we taking orders from someone who would have us walk down this road again?

(Speak with Archmage Aethas Sunstrider: 1/1)

(Player opens the box’s intensifier disc.)

Archmage Aethas Sunreaver: Enough Rommath! The Sin’dorei must be free from the yoke of the Horde!

Note: The player gains a buff. Pure Emotion: Increases Attack and Spell Power by 100% and Damage Taken by 10%.

(Concentrated Sha dies)

(Contain the experiment: 1/1)

Archmage Aethas Sunreaver: What … what was that?

Lor’themar Theron: What madness is this?

Grand Magister Rommath: It has been an age of the world or more since I felt any emotion at even a fraction of that.

Archmage Aethas Sunreaver: Rommath … I … I don’t know what came over me.

Grand Magister Rommath: It would seem this “sha” energy is far more powerful than I previously thought.

Completion

Lor’themar Theron: This reckless use of my people by Garrosh is becoming intolerable. If you had not been here to assist I dread to think what might have happened.

Warchief Garrosh and the Blood Elves managed to experiment with Sha magic after defeating and capturing the leader of the Korune mogu. In this short questline, Chieftain Baine Bloodhoof asks you to confront Sha-Touched Grunts. Lor’themar Theron questions Garrosh’s lack of ability to control the sha magic.

Echoes of Thunder

General Nazgrim: Ah, (name), we meet again. I have heard some wondrous news.

High Chieftain Baine Bloodhoof of the tauren has arrived here on Pandaria.

He meets with Warchief Garrosh Hellscream and Regent Lord Lor’themar Theron now, at the Shrine of Two Moons in the Vale of Eternal Blossoms.

He sent me a strange request – to send him a loyal champion of the Horde, capable of combat … and discretion.

I can’t think of none better to send than you. Speak to Tak-Tak if you seek transport.

Objectives

Find High Chieftain Baine Bloodhoof at the Shrine of Two Moons. Speak to Tak-Tak at Domination Point for transportation.

Progression

(Take me to the Shrine of Two Moons)

Tak-Tak: So how did your trip to the Valley of Emperors go, wikket?

It’s cold up there. And dangerous!

Too many mogu. Only our foolish mountain hozen cousins live up there.

They so ookin’ stupid!

I heard you found somethin’ … or someone. You caught one o’ those mogu, didn’t you?

Maybe nasty mogu tell you where to find that bell.

Tak-Tak also hear mogu using dark magic.

Hozen call it … ikk! You call it sha, but ikk is SO much better name!

Anyways, those crazy mogu using ikk juju.

Even foolish hozen know ikk is worse than anything. Don’t touch ikk!

You think ookin’ is nasty word? You ain’t ikkin’ know anything.

(Find Baine Bloodhoof at the Shrine of Two Moons: 1/1)

Note: Baine is found at the second floor by the capital portals – The Imperial Merchantile.

Completion

High Chieftain Baine Bloodhoof: Well met, (class). You were sent from Domination Point? Very well. We have much to discuss.

(You are now Revered with Dominance Offensive)

A Gathering Storm

Baine Bloodhoof: If General Nazgrim sent you, then I trust you are capable of discretion.

When I arrived here, I found Garrosh … experimenting … with some ancient power that he found in the mountains to the north.

He believes that this “sha” can strengthen our soldiers.

Unfortunately, so far the results have been quite the opposite.

Our troops are erupting into random violence. Go and interrogate them. If they threaten you, be prepared to defend yourself.

Objectives

Confront 8 Sha-Touched Grunts.

Progression

Sha-Touched Grunt: I don’t know what came over me. Thank you for clearing my head.

Sha-Touched Grunt: W-what happened? I couldn’t control my own body.

Sha-Touched Grunt: I fought against the anger, but it overwhelmed me. You have my thanks.

Sha-Touched Grunt: Thank you for saving me from that nightmare. I wanted to rip everything apart!

Completion

Garrosh Hellscream: You bested my defenders? Finally, one who can control his hatred and violence! I need more men like you.

(Dominance Offensive Achivement Update: Pride)

Lor’themar Theron: Garrosh, you do truly believe the sha can be controlled? Have you seen what it’s done to our men?

Garrosh Hellscream: Calm yourself, Ishi. The Lord Regent may speak his mind. The sha can be a powerful tool. The mogu may have once harnessed its power into the Divine Bell, and look at the glorious empire they built in its wake.

Lor’themar Theron: But their empire fell. Perhaps to the sha, perhaps to the pandaren, or perhaps … to their own pride.

Garrosh Hellscream: Did the Scourge beat all the courage from your people, blood elf? We are teh HORDE. Where there is power, we SEIZE it. My Horde has no place for the weak!

Lor’themar Theron: As you say … Warchief.

Window Dialogue

Garrosh Hellscream: Here on Pandaria, I see a land that the Horde deserves. We will take it for our own, and if anyone stands in our way, mogu or Alliance, we will raze them to the ground.

Baine Bloodhoof: An honorable meeting, (class). I have heard rumblings from my brothers here on Pandaria. Dark rumblings of dissent and worry.

I have come myself to support the Horde’s efforts, but also … to make sure that things don’t get too out of hand.

Mailbox

From: Vol’jin

Subject: Watching the Warchief

Friend.

What you been hearing? Baine Bloodhoof wrote to say that Garrosh is capturing mogu and using some sort of energy the Pandaren call “Sha.” There ain’t no power he won’t abuse.

Baine says he going to stay close to him. Garrosh probably don’t trust the tauren chieftain. But he trust you. Keep Baine out of trouble for me. We going to need him.

Garrosh Hellscream: This is the difference between me and you, Vol’jin. I won’t let MY people starve to death in the desert. I will stop at nothing – NOTHING – to ensure a proud and glorious future for the orcs and anyone with the courage to stand with us. Wait here.

(Garrosh walks away from Vol’jin to whisper secretly to Rak’gor Bloodrazor. This orc has two daggers. An assassin. The conversation isn’t shared with the player. This is obviously the order to kill Vol’jin.)

Garrosh Hellscream: There is something you can do, troll, to demonstrate your value to the Horde. A mission in the heart of this continent.

Vol’jin: I will go, but only as a witness for my people. Someone gota keep you in check, Garrosh.

(Quest Discovered: Dagger in the Dark)

Dagger in the Dark

Shadow Hunter Vol’jin has joined a group of Kor’kron scouts on an important mission for the Warchief.

Of course a proud member of the Horde such as yourself is welcome to go along, but be warned – it could get ugly.

Objectives

Enter the “Dagger in the Dark” scenario and report to Vol’jin.

Scenario: Dagger in the Dark

Vol’jin: Ready to get dis thing started?

(I’m ready. Let’s go.)

Vol’jin: Everyone be here now. Let’s get dis done wit.

Rak’gor Bloodrazor: Proceed by foot. We’ll circle around and look for another entrance.

Vol’jin: As da Warchief commands …

I’m glad you here to watch me back. I don’t like da look of Garrosh’s goons.

(A Darkhatched Sorcerer has put the boat into Stasis! Kill it to interrupt the spell.)

Grizzle Gearslip: Ack, get that thing off us!

Grizzle Gearslip: Here, take this! It’ll help you against any swarms.

(Grizzle has given you a set of landmines! Use them on the saurok eggs nearby.)

Grizzle Gearslip: I’ll just … be right here. Don’t forget about me!

Vol’jin: Here! Stop da boat here.

Vol’jin: Dis be some kinda spawnin chamber … And dat be one ugly mudder!

(Broodmaster Noshi dies)

Vol’jin: Somethin unnatural about ‘dese creatures.

Rak’gor Bloodrazor: This is the chamber we’re looking for. The Warchief has learned there’s a connection between the Mogu and these creatures. Troll! You know all about this … voodoo. What can you find?

Completion

Find Thrall!

(Vol’jin half opens an eye and begins to move his lips as if to speak. Though no sound comes, you decipher two words.)

Vol’jin: Find Thrall.

(With an effort, Vol’jin thrusts a hearthstone into your hands and then passes out.)

Objectives

Find Thrall by using Vol’jin’s Hearthstone.

(Vol’jin’s Hearthstone: 1/1)

Vol’jin’s Hearthstone item: “Use: Returns you to the Den in Durotar. May only be used near Vol’jin in Binan Village. (30 Min. Cooldown)”

Progression

Thrall: You have come a long way to see me, (race). Speak.

Completion

(Thrall stares at the stone you have handed him.)

Thrall: Vol’jin’s hearthstone? My friend, has it come to this?

The Horde Is Family

Thrall: This hearthstone was part of a conversation Vol’jin and I shared a long time ago.

He believes his people are in danger. I don’t know what all has transpired in my absence, but I can at least do this for my friend.

Come, (name), travel with me to the Echo Isles. We must make sure that the Darkspear are safe.

Objectives

Escort Thrall to the Echo Isles.

Progression

Thrall: Aggra, I should not be long. The Darkspear are a strong people and I doubt they have much need of my assistance.

Aggra: Take as long as you need, Go’el. If Vol’jin believes his people are in danger then you had best aid them as you can.

Thrall: Very well my beloved. Come friend, let us ride to the home of the Darkspear.

I remember when Vol’jin and I first came to this land. The Horde was just an idea then. A hope. We needed one another.

We made our home in this desert, and named it after my father Durotan, Chieftain of the Frostwolf Clan.

The land was harsh. Time and again it was Vol’jin and his people who ensured the Horde’s survival, saving us from starvation, or taking up arms when we were attacked.

Trolls and orcs have fought together. Died together. We are family. And family looks after its own.

Thrall: Kor’kron? Here? What has Garrosh been up to?

Kor’kron Soulbreaker: Halt! This city is under Martial Law. Declare yourselves.

Thrall: Have I been away so long that you have forgotten who I am?

Kor’kron Soulbreaker: Thrall, we no longer answer to you. We have a new Warchief now. And he has reminded us that we are STRONG!

Thrall: These are our Allies! You watch over them like they’re a threat. Why? You WILL answer to me!

Kor’kron Soulbreaker: No! Never again!

Completion

Thrall: Vol’jin has saved my life many times in the past. To see my own Kor’kron used against his people cuts deeper than I can put into words.

De-Subjugation

The Kor’kron have been trained to be the finest, most loyal soldiers of the Warchief. Their presence here means that Garrosh fears an uprising.

Vol’jin and his people are as much a part of the Horde as any orc.

We must break this occupation and free the trolls. It pains me to say this, but you must eliminate enough of the Kor’kron so that the trolls can retake their city. Then meet me at Darkspear Hold so we might challenge their officer directly.

Kor’kron Subjugator: By order of the Warchief this “city” is now under Martial Law. Any who refuse the will of the Warchief shall be branded as traitors!

Kor’kron Subjugator: This is OUR Horde!

Rebellious Darkspear Watcher: Ya not be needin’ dis weapon again now are ya?

Rebellious Darkspear Watcher: Shoulda’ left when ya had the chance.

Completion

Thrall: The orcs have changed. My Horde has changed. Do I kill my fellow orcs until it is once again “my” Horde? Do I have any right to try force the Horde to be what it once was?

These are troubling times. But for now, I must see to Vol’jin’s people.

(Dominance Offensive Achievement Update: The Horde is family)

Thrall: Sons and daughters of the Horde! Today you stand free due to the strength of your heroes and the actions of this champion, (name)! The Kor’kron arrival heralds dark times for the Horde.

But know this, the Horde IS family, even if some of its leaders have forgotten that fact. To prove this, I shall remain with you and lend what strength I can to your chosen leaders until Vol’jin returns.

Please, (name), do not tell Garrosh what we have done here today. I must make some weighty decisions before confronting him directly.

Do me this courtesy, (name), and do not share with Garrosh what has transpired here today. I could confront him directly, but I see now not all orcs share my view of the Horde.

Who am I to command their allegiance if I must become another dictator to do so?

What I can do is aid the Darkspear in fortifying their home while their heroes are abroad for the war. When Vol’jin returns, we will plan our next move.

Mailbox

From: Vol’jin

Subject: Darkspear Never Die

My Friend.

Garrosh tried to off me with a dagger to the throat. But I got me something more powerful than assassin’s poison. I got friends. You. Chen Stormstout. Thrall… We been through worse.

I need to lie low for a while. Get me head together. Chen is taking me to the Shado-Pan Monastery to heal.

Meantimes, I need you to stay close to Garrosh. Keep your eyes open. Find out what he got going on. Dangerous. But I know you can handle yourself. I seen it with me own eyes.

General Nazgrim will open a new core quest series sending players to The Valley of Emperors in Kun-Lai Summit. There awaits Regent Lord Lor’themar Theron. This part of the lengthy questline the blood elves kidnap a mogu to interrogate him about the Divine Bell.

To The Valley!

General Nazgrim: This sealed communication was sent for you, along with urgent orders to travel to the Valley of Emperors in Kun-Lai Summit.

This looks serious. I’d not delay if I were you.

Speak to Tak-Tak for transportation.

Objectives

Find your “Friend from Silvermoon” at the Valley of Emperors. Speak to Tak-Tak at Domination Point for transportation.

Warchief Garrosh: Now … if you value your life, scum, you’ll tell me what I need to know. Where is the Divine Bell?!

Shan Kien (Korune Warlord): Ha … (cough) … you young races … so impatient, petulant. You cannot even control yourself … your own rage, your own fear. How could you hope … (cough) … to control the Bell?

Warchief Garrosh: Graaaagh!

(Garrosh smacks Shan Kien knocking him unconscious.)

Fine. You’ve made your choice … mogu. Now, you die …

Fanlyr Silverthron: Garrosh! Stay your hand! He is our only way to find the bell. We WILL make him talk. Give us time.

Warchief Garrosh: … Very well. He is yours, Blood Elf. But, elf … Disrespect me again, and I’ll have your head on a pike outside the gates of Orgrimmar.

Fanlyr Silverthron: Well … that was interesting. Let’s go meet with Lor’themar back outside.

Completion

Lor’themar Theron: We managed to capture our quarry.

In truth, though, I am not sure what our next move should be. I will contact the leaders of our allies and see if they have ideas – I don’t know that our arcane talents are going to pry the secrets of our mogu captive.

Alright everyone. Make preparations to take the prisoner back to the Vale. We’ll be handling him over to Hellscream once he’s had some time to cool off.

(Dominance Offensive Achievement Update: The Korune)

Lor’themar Theron: (Name) – good work. Without your assistance, I’m afraid this whole business would have ended quite nastily.

On the Domination Point, Horde players will find random daily quests in Krasarang Wilds. Like in Dread Wastes, these daily quests pop in random sub-zones.

The second day I played the PTR, Blood Guard Gro’tash gave me a daily quest titled “The Ruins of Ogudei”. He sends the player to Sparkrocket Outpost — hidden on a small peninsula near Lion’s Landing. This sub-zone has Horde players infiltrate the Alliance mining system which accidentally uncovered underground Mogu ruins.

Upon arrival to Sparkrocket Outpost, there are several daily quests mainly focusing players to accomplish a series of missions within the underground mining system, the underground ruins, and finally emerging from the entrance near Lion’s Landing.

Horde players access the bottom of the mining system through a portal located at Sparkrocket Outpost which leads three floors underground. The developers were nice to include maps for each floor. From left to right: Floor 3, Floor 2, Floor 1.

The Ruins of Ogudei

Blood Guard Gro’tash: Our scouts at Sparkrocket Outpost have reported some new activity near an area called the Ruins of Ogudei.

We need to gather intelligence on what it is the Alliance are doing, and more importantly what it is they found. We cannot afford to have any unknowns.

Meet up with Belloc Brightblade in Sparkrocket Outpost and find out what he knows.

Objectives

Report to Belloc Brightblade in Sparkrocket Outpost.

Completion

Belloc Brightblade: We have a lot of work to do, (class). Who knows what has already been uncovered in Ogudei!

Taking Advantage

Belloc Brightblade: The fools in the Explorer’s League have excavated an ancient mogu ruin to the northeast. And – of course – in their bumbling, they ‘ve disturbed the mogu spirits within.

We are going to take advantage of their ineptitude. Take this portal and meet with Kaelis Sunsoar, my contact within the ruins.

Objectives

Use the portal at Sparkrocket Outpost to meet with Kaelis Sunsoar at the Ruins of Ogudei in Krasarang Wilds.

Kaelis Sunsoar: Ah, yes. Good. Help from Belloc. He never does like to get his hands dirty.

The Spirit Trap

Kaelis Sunsoar: Within the ruins we have identified several powerful mogu artifacts. They trapped spirits within, probably to use them in some ritual or conjuration.

They are a type of device that we haven’t identified and desperately need to study – they may reveal more of the secrets of the mogu’s spirit binding techniques.

Objectives

We’re Not Monsters!

Kaelis Sunsoar: The Reliquary may have had a bad name in the past, but we’re not monsters. We simply hold different views about archaeology than the Explorer’s League.

We do focus on performing acts of heroism from time to time. So go, liberate some of the pandaren slave spirits in the ruins.

Objectives

Liberate 14 Troubled Slave Spirits.

Completion

Kaelis Sunsoar: Ah, good work. As much as it may seem trivial in comparison to our larger research goals, it is important that we maintain appearances, (name).

Legacy of Ogudei

Kaelis Sunsoar: The ruins which we are occupying were built by Ogudei – an ancient mogu ruler. We know little about who he was, though the rise of the spirits in this area seems to indicate that it was related to spirit binding.

When you destroy these spirits, a small amount of their essence will remain in this world. Bring it to us – we will analyze it and hopefully learn more about Ogudei’s history – and his power.

Objectives

Collect 5 Ancient Mogu Spirit Essence.

Note: These come in teams of two. When in combat, they cast a binding spell on themselves. Focus on the Spiritbound Arcanist, and crowd control the melee Spiritbound Brutalizer as often as possible. Dodge and move away from the shadow missile. A whirlpool can be seen on the ground beneath you before the shadow missile falls on the ground.

Ogudei’s Lieutenants

Kaelis Sunsoar: There are two extremely powerful mogu spirits that the Alliance unearthed in their ineptitude.

These are choice targets for us, (class). If you kill them and collect each of their essences, we could make great progress on decoding the history of this strange ruin.

Objectives

Collect Meng-do’s Essence and Gen-li’s Essence in the Ruins of Ogudei.

Progression

Kaelis Sunsoar: The essence isn’t going to make itself, (race).

Completion

Kaelis Sunsoar: What treasures! With any luck, the spirits will return and we will be able to sample their essence further.

Kick ’em While They’re Down

Kaelis Sunsoar: The Alliance may think they have a stranglehold on the ruins, given that their base of operations is close.

We’re going to disabuse them of that notion. Go take out some of their guards.

Objectives

Kill 10 Lion’s Landing military units as well as the Lion’s Landing Guard Captain.

It is A Mystery

Kaelis Sunsoar: We have detected several … anomalies in these mines, of an arcane or spiritual nature. They are disrupting our attempts to discern the nature of the magic used in the spirit binding rituals here.

They are quite elusive, but we’ve managed to isolate the arcane signature of one of these anomalies, and one of our mages has enchanted this bauble with its signature.

Take the bauble. It will begin to glow more brightly as you approach the anomaly. Once you reach it, you can use the bauble to draw it out.

Objectives

Use the Arcane Bauble to find an anomaly within the Ruins of Ogudei.

Completion

Kaelis Sunsoar: Ahh, yes. I received word from one of our researchers that they are no longer troubled by that anomaly. Well done.

So far I have encountered very interesting content for level 90 players who decide to embark into this Patch 5.1 adventure.

This is not content you can just do in one go. There are daily quests involved. Once Patch 5.1 hits live servers, the first quest is triggered onscreen merely by entering The Shrine of the Two Moons (Horde), or the Shrine of Seven Stars (Alliance).

Scout Rokla can be found in Krasarang Wilds at coordinates (8.7,64.4) at the westernmost isle. The map has been updated to show Dominance Point (Horde) and Lion’s Landing (Alliance).

Description

It has been two months since the parting of the mists. Horde scouts, seeking a suitable landing site for the fleet, have engaged Alliance forces on a small island off the coast of Krasarang Wilds.

Meet with Scout Rokla and help secure the landing site.

Progression

Scout Rokla: You are just in time. The Warchief is about to land. Once this site passes his inspection, the fleet will follow.

(You are now friendly with the Dominance Offensive)

Garrosh Hellscream: Here! Stop the boats here.

This island will make a perfect coastal stronghold. Rokla! When the peons arrive, clear these trees and begin construction of the docks.

Champion, you have been here for many weeks, and know this land well. Come with me.

The Kor’kron elite guard, goblins and Forsaken scouts can be found holding positions at the shore of the westernmost isle of Krasarang Wilds. Humans and Night Elf sentinels have them cornered on the beach.

The arrival of Warchief Garrosh Hellscream and his champion (YOU) shift the balance of the ambush. The player must kill 25 Alliance mobs. Garrosh kills them really quick. I recommend to tag 1-2 mobs at a time, Garrosh is a bit slow on assisting. Sometimes stands still doing nothing unless the mob is a couple of feet close.

Find Blood Guard Gro’tash

Blood Guard Gro’tash: More elves to slaughter!

Garrosh Hellscream: A pitiful skirmish! The Alliance fights without conviction. Hold this ground, Blood Guard. Here is where we will build our keep. Expect peons within the hour, and be ready to motivate them.

Completion

(This fire will signal the full might of the Horde invasion fleet to land on this beach, beginning Garrosh’s campaign in Pandaria.)

Note: Click the Signal Fire.

(Domination Point Achievement Progress appears onscreen)

(Screen goes black. Cinematic begins)

After the cinematic, the player enters a new phased area on the north of the isle. Domination Point has been built. Random Daily quests appear.

Core Quests

After the Domination Point cinematic, Vol’jin confronts Garrosh and the questline from World of Warcraft: Vol’jin, Shadows of the Horde begins. The Dagger in the Dark is part of “The Horde is Family” achievement progress for the Dominance Offensive Achievement.

Daily Quests

The daily quests become available. Like in the Dread Wastes, the daily quests send players to sub-zones throughout the coast of Krasarang Wilds. Note: The links below open in a separate page, but this page stays static. Close the opening page after finishing, and return to this page to continue browsing through the Patch 5.1 content.

The Brawler’s Guild is a new feature introduced in Patch 5.1 found in Orgrimmar and Stormwind. The Orgrimmar version is found at the Valley of Honor within the big arena building with the dungeon-like portal.

Walk to the opposite side of the building, and talk to the guard to queue. Players have to wait their turn and get to watch other players’ combat. It’s a solo encounter against creatures of Azeroth with unique abilities.

Each win grants experience, allowing players to grow from Rank 1 up to Rank 8. The Brawler’s Guild Quartermaster offers a variety of consumables which can only be used within the building to help win the encounter. Video available in 720HD and 1080HD.

The Glorious! Achievement requires players to kill 56 rare mobs spread around the continent of Pandaria. The Glorious! Achievement goes an extra mile from what players have experienced in the Wrath of the Lich King expansion (Frostbitten achievement) and the Burning Crusade expansion (Bloody Rare).

In contrast with previous expansions, these are divided by type: Pandaren, Jyniu, Mogu, Saurok, Yaungol, Hozen, and Mantid. Each type has a unique attack that causes over 50,000 damage or kills in one shot in some cases — forcing players to use their skills and to learn to move away from harm’s way. Sort of training players to survive a raid encounter, as some of these abilities are used in dungeons too.

There is a great World of Warcraft addon that helps a lot to find the rare mobs for this achievement. Download _NPCScan and its extension _NPCScan.Overlay. The first one alerts you with a loud sound that a rare NPC is near you, and displays onscreen a rotating hologram . Clicking the hologram’s name tag will auto-select the mob — allowing you to view on the mini-map the location and direction it is at.

The _NPCScan.Overlay, on the other hand, allows you to view on your map (pressing M) all the locations of each zone where you can find the rares NPCs at. This one is very useful, removing away the waste of time searching for them back and forth. You can simply go to where the colored overlay on the map is.

Sometimes the NPCs are death, or someone from the opposite faction (Alliance or Horde) is attacking it. The bad thing is that NPC_Scan marks it as found whether you killed it or someone else did. In this case, it is recommended to quit World of Warcraft. Go to the World of Warcraft folder. Open the Cache Folder. Open the WDB. Then open the enUS folder (depends what language and region you are). Delete the creaturecache.wdb file. Now launch World of Warcraft.

Doing this manual step clears the cache of creatures detected by the NPC_Scan addon. There is no automatic way to do this, so it has to be done manually, and World of Warcraft can’t be running at the moment the file is deleted. Below are the Pandaria maps with the layers that indicate where to find the rare NPCs for the Glorious! Achievement.

I hit level 90 earlier today after completing quests left and right throughout the zones of Pandaria. First thing I did after reaching level 90 was to visit the flight trainer outside the capital city in the Vale of Eternal Blossoms, and to grab the Lorewalkers quest intro at the bottom level of the capital city.

Once I completed the first quest with Lorewalker Cho at the Seat of Knowledge on the higher plateau of the Mogu’shan Palace, I was ready to visit all the locations throughout Pandaria which have a lore SCROLL to complete the achievements. The achievements grant reputation points with the Lorewalkers which quickly get you to Exalted in about two hours or less.

Once you get all the achievements, visit the mailbox. Lorewalker Cho will mail you items that trigger a new quest. Turning in those quests will give you extra reputation points to complete Exalted with the Lorewalkers. Check out our recent guide: How to Reach Exalted with the Lorewalkers.

The Quartermaster Tan Shin Tiao is near Lorewalker Cho. She will sell you this awesome Disc of the Flying Red Cloud to become … The Silver Surfer.

Ladies and Gentlemen! The World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria is now LIVE in Europe and United States live realms. Those who were not physically at the worldwide launch parties were treated with the live stream hosted by Machinima.com

As soon as the countdown toward Midnight (pacific time) was over, Blizzard emailed a press release to all subscribers to share the news:

Horde—Alliance tensions approach breaking point on shores of newly revealed continent; new expansion introduces pandaren player race, monk character class, and much more

IRVINE, Calif. –(BUSINESS WIRE)– A new era of discovery and conquest has dawned on Azeroth! Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. today announced that World of Warcraft®: Mists of Pandaria™, the highly anticipated fourth expansion to the world’s most popular subscription-based massively multiplayer online role-playing game, is now live.

Starting today, gamers in the U.S., Canada , Europe , Russia , Southeast Asia , Australia , New Zealand , Mexico , Argentina , Chile , and Brazil can set sail for the newly discovered continent of Pandaria by purchasing the expansion in retail stores or digitally via the game’s official website (http://www.WorldofWarcraft.com). Mists of Pandaria will be available in South Korea and the regions of Taiwan , Hong Kong, and Macau on September 27 , and will launch in mainland China on October 2 .

“Mists of Pandaria takes players back to the roots of World of Warcraft — exploration, discovery, and the epic conflict between the Alliance and the Horde,” said Mike Morhaime , CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment . “It also contains the widest variety of content that we’ve ever added in an expansion, and we’re excited to be able to share it with players around the world this week in our first truly global launch.”

Mists of Pandaria is available now on DVD-ROM for Windows® XP/Windows Vista®/Windows® 7 and Macintosh® at a suggested retail price of $39.99 USD . The expansion is also available digitally directly from Blizzard’s World of Warcraft website (www.WorldofWarcraft.com), also priced at $39.99 USD .

A special Collector’s Edition packed with bonus items is also now available exclusively in retail stores at a suggested retail price of $79.99 USD . In addition to the game disc, the Collector’s Edition contains:

A World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria behind-the-scenes DVD and Blu-ray two-disc set including over an hour of developer interviews and commentary

The World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria Collector’s Edition soundtrack CD

The Art of Mists of Pandaria, a 208-page hardback tome including never-before-seen artwork from the development process

In addition, for the first time, World of Warcraft players have the option to purchase a special Digital Deluxe version of Mists of Pandaria (suggested retail price $59.99 USD ) via the World of Warcraft website (www.WorldofWarcraft.com) or by purchasing an activation code at select retailers. The Digital Deluxe edition includes a full digital copy of Mists of Pandaria as well as the digital items from the retail-exclusive Collector’s Edition. Players who purchase the standard edition digitally or at retail will have the option to upgrade to the Digital Deluxe version at any time (for as long as the standalone Digital Deluxe version remains available) for an additional $20 USD .

Mists of Pandaria Game Features

In World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria, warships of the Alliance and Horde clash off the coast of a long-lost continent, signaling the start of a new era of discovery and conquest in the history of Azeroth. As players storm the shores of this exotic new frontier and begin to explore its mysteries, they’ll encounter brave new allies, unearth ancient secrets, and play their part in reigniting the long-brewing conflict between the Horde and Alliance on a strange battlefield far from home.

Mists of Pandaria offers a wide variety of content for new and returning World of Warcraft players. Features include a new playable race (the pandaren) with its own starting zone and quests, a new character class (the monk), and an expansive new continent for players to explore as they adventure to the new level cap of 90. The expansion also includes a host of new gameplay elements designed to give players even more ways to enjoy the game, including scenarios — a flexible new kind of cooperative PvE trial; challenge modes, which offer high-prestige rewards for mastering Mists of Pandaria’s 5-player dungeons; and an all-new pet battle system.

Mists of Pandaria has received a Teen rating from the ESRB. In addition to the English version, Mists of Pandaria is available fully localized into Latin American Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, French, German, European Spanish, Russian, Korean, traditional Chinese, simplified Chinese, and for the first time with a World of Warcraft expansion launch, Italian.

For more information about World of Warcraft and Mists of Pandaria, visit http://www.WorldofWarcraft.com. With multiple games in development, Blizzard Entertainment has numerous positions currently open — visit http://jobs.blizzard.com for more information and to learn how to apply.

Chris Metzen (SVP of Creative Development) just revealed live at the Mists of Pandaria Launch Party in Irvine they are currently developing a Warcraft encyclopedia akin of what they did with Diablo III: Book of Cain (by Insight Editions). This book was among the top Amazon best seller graphic novels.

He also revealed they have plans for Turalyon and Alleria in the next expansion after Mists of Pandaria. Sargeras plans somewhen in the future. Warcraft IV not in the foreseeable future, but Mists of Pandaria has sort of a spiritual feel — probably some of the plots might carry on in Warcraft IV?

Zarhym posted today the plans for the Mists of Pandaria North America Launch Party, and a video embed for the live stream.

Awesome-Nick Carpenter sent us, via Twitter, a photo of the launch party stage in Irvine. Photo at the bottom. That stage looks neat. On the left side one can distinguish King Varian Wrynn charging forth. I can bet on the right side should be Warchief Garrosh Hellscream.

For those QQ-ing this expansion is about cute pandas, the expansion will set you corrected in many misconceptions. This expansion = putting the WAR back into Warcraft with World PvP. What can happen when the Vale of Eternal Blossoms’ capital cities are just a few steps apart from each other in a PvP realm? Total Mayhem!!!

Tonight fans look forward to the World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria worldwide release. In the eve of this expansion’s release, Blizzard Entertainment Chief Storyteller Chris Metzen and World of Warcraft Art Director Chris Robinson share with fans some final insights and development reflections.

Those who plan to read PEARL OF PANDARIA should read that first chronologically to prevent spoilers. Then read the short story: QUEST FOR PANDARIA.

Update: After reading the 10-pages of Part 1, I found there are indeed a few tiny spoilers of happenings from PEARL OF PANDARIA. The story of Wanyo and the Pearl continues in the short story. Wanyo’s adventures could have been elaborated more instead of constrained to where he has been all this time, but the story focuses more on Li Li. By page 10, I was hoping to read Part 2 already. It would be interesting to find out where the story goes, and if there’s any significant lore or purpose around the pearl itself. The QUEST OF PANDARIA gaps where Li Li and Chen have been and done since the final pages of the DC Comics PEARL OF PANDARIA graphic novel until we see them in-game at the Valley of the Four Winds.

The Song of Liu Lang is one of the most thrilling in-game songs in World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria. Not every World of Warcraft expansion has one of these thematic songs, but when they do — there’s usually an extensive lore attachment wrapped around them.

In Burning Crusade, there’s a quest that starts with The Lady’s Necklace, an item that drops from a Deatholme Acolyte in Windrunner Village (The Ghostlands). The quest leads you to Silvermoon City’s throne room where you have the delicate diplomatic mission to secure a friendship with Lady Sylvanas Windrunner, and eventually get her support to request Orgrimmar to accept the Blood Elves as new members of the Horde.

The necklace turns out to be an old gift given to Sylvanas by her sister Commander Ranger Alleria Windrunner. The end of the quest triggers The Lament of the Highborne (by Soprano singer Vangie Gunn) — nominated to the Best Original Vocal Song – Pop in the 6th Annual G.A.N.G. Awards. It was by far the best World of Warcraft in-game vocal song to date.

In World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria, level 1-10 Pandaren players can experience a school scene by walking in into the Dawning Span’s lower room. Lorewalker Amai teaches the young Pandaren children the story of Liu Lang, while Lorewalker Ruolin sings The Song of Liu Lang in some asian-like language.

The amount of lore about Liu Lang is substantial, serving as a intro to low level players in the Pandaren starting zone: Shen-zin Su (The Wandering Isle). More of Liu Lang is learned later at level 90 through the Lorewalker faction‘s achievement system.

Blizzard Entertainment sent a copy of World of Warcraft: Pearl of Pandaria for review. I just opened the box, and got thrilled with the format of this DC Comics graphic novel product.

Product Cover

I haven’t seen anything like this before from DC Comics. The dimensions of the book resemble that of an iPad, thus comfortable to hold. An iPad is 9.50″ x 7.31″. The World of Warcraft: Pearl of Pandaria Graphic Novel’s dimensions are approximately 11.25 x 7.37″.

The front cover artwork of World of Warcraft: Pearl of Pandaria seen above is a book jacket you can remove and frame up if you wish to. This is how the book looks like without the book jacket.

Introduction

The first chapter introduces the history of Liu Lang to set the background and starting point of this story for readers new to World of Warcraft and/or to the Mists of Pandaria expansion.

Liu Lang was the first Pandaren to leave Pandaria with the wanderlust of adventure. Originally, after the Sundering ten-thousand-years in the past the Pandaren thought the whole world had been destroyed, and because of the Mists none dared to explore thinking they wouldn’t find their way back home.

Liu Lang observed the dragon turtles would leave into the sea, but eventually returned to the shore they were born. Thus, with that wisdom, Liu Lang explored beyond the mists on top of Shen-zin Su.

The Pandaren laughed at Liu Lang and thought they would never see him again. Five years later, Liu Lang returned to Pandaria on a now grown turtle to share his adventures with fellow Pandaren. The turtle would return home every five years, and more Pandaren accompanied Liu Lang and as centuries went by the turtle became as big as an island.

Some of the lore in this graphic novel is exclusive and won’t be seen in the Mists of Pandaria expansion. However, the story of Liu Lang will be experienced by players who delve into the path of the Lorewalker. I recently shared my experiences in beta on where to find all the sites and achievements to reach exalted with the Lorewalker, and some videos that tell the lore of Liu Lang.

Micky Neilson

Micky Neilson joined Blizzard Entertainment in 1993. He’s got several video games story development experience under his belt, including: Warcraft III, The Lost Vikings II, World of Warcraft, StarCraft. He’s presently Lead Publishing at Blizzard with two graphic novels: WORLD OF WARCRAFT: CURSE OF THE WORGEN (co-written with James Waugh), WORLD OF WARCRAFT: ASHBRINGER (Number Two in New York Times Bestselling Graphic Novels List).

If you have read both graphic novels, you are in for a great story with PEARL OF PANDARIA. It’s written from the point of view of Li Li Stormstout, the niece of famous adventurer Chen Stormstout who we are acquainted with since his debut in the bonus orc campaign in Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne (2003).

There’s definitely a message to be found in the context of the story aimed both at young children and [why not] adults. Sometimes we celebrate holidays, study history in school but do not live what we celebrate and commemorate.

Li Li is a dreamer and loves the stories of Liu Lang, but sees that her father and even the Elders of Shen-zin Su have forgotten what it is to leave the Wandering Isle and explore the world and enjoy every day of their lives in a continuous adventure.

She’s young, but not a coward. She refuses to live in a pedestal, and decides to leave the Wandering Isle to go in search of her uncle Chen Stormstout. I liked very much Micky’s approach and direction in this story.

According to Licensing Manager Kat Hunter, in the DC Comics website, this is an independent story outside the Mists of Pandaria expansion. While you might recognize some elements that appear in-game, the story takes place before the events Pandaren level 1-10 players will experience in the Wandering Isle’s starting location in-game.

One of the scenes when Li Li goes to Stormwind gives a glimpse into where in the timeline the story takes place, and it’s definitely not Mists of Pandaria-time, nor even Cataclysm-time. One guard is asking for volunteers to go to Northrend for the ultimate fight against the Lich King. Another scene reveals the fight against the Emerald Nightmare — which took place during World of Warcraft: Stormrage — hasn’t happened yet.

Li Li Stormstout is not an NPC in the Wandering Isle for example. You get to meet her as an NPC later on at level 86 in the Valley of the Four Winds alongside Chen Stormstout.

Sean “Cheeks” Galloway

Sean Galloway is the artist of the interior pages and front cover. Not everyone is used to comic books or animation, so it’s normal for people to like or dislike the artwork style.

Personally, when I saw the front cover a few weeks ago I had no idea who the artist was, but recognized the style right away. The artwork and the coloring resembles that in TV animated series and even Disney animated films. Knowing how Blizzard Entertainment works they will get the best in the industry. We have seen Simon Furman (The Transformers) behind the StarCraft comics series, Walter Simonson (Mighty Thor) behind the World of Warcraft comics series. All the awesome writers and artists in the Tokyopop Manga. You know the drill. Blizzard Creative Team is passionate about their projects and fans themselves of writers and artists that are involved in their personal geeky hobbies: Tabletop, fantasy stories, SciFi, etc.

I won’t lie. I have rarely watched american TV in the past 12 years since playing Blizzard games — kinda odd for someone who lives in New York City. Sean Galloway is a name that caught my attention though.

In the animation front, Sean Galloway is the founder of Table Taffy Studios and lead character designer for The Spectacular Spiderman animated TV series. Sean has been involved in Hellboy Animated: Sword of Storms, Blood and Iron, Disney’s Tron Animated, Dreamworks’ Mastermind, G.I. Joe Renegades, and Scoobie Doo Mystery Inc.

As a comics penciler/artist he’s been involved in TEEN TITANS GO and the Teen Titans stories in WEDNESDAY COMICS. He’s also done video game and toy design. Some fans know him for his creator-owned properties: Bastion’s 7, Gumshoes 4 Hire and Little Big Heads.

In terms of World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria, the artwork style sometimes might break what’s known as the “Warcraft Style” — which players are used to with Senior Art Director Samwise Didier, René Koiter, Glenn Rane, and other Sons of the Storm artists. However, considering the main character of this story is a little girl named Li Li, and the bulky shapes of the Pandaren — it made sense to go the TV animated series style which is welcomed by children, teens and adults in general, rather than one specific audience.

Some of us have been playing World of Warcraft since 2004-2006. Some might have by now a young kid at home which is ready to kick some indiscriminate justice at your side against the evils of Azeroth. World of Warcraft: Pearl of Pandaria makes a perfect gift to a son/daughter, nephew/nice (etc.) as a background story prior to playing World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria.

The coloring techniques are amazing and quickly you get to dig Sean Galloway and his team’s style. There are many landmarks and locations captured in this 128-pages graphic novel, including Booty Bay, Ironforge, Kharanos, Azshara, Westfall, Golshire, The Dark Portal, Stormwind, Stonetalon Mountains, and Orgrimmar — to name a few.

Wish to ask Micky Neilson or Sean Galloway a question? Post a comment below using your Facebook/Yahoo login. We will talk with them on Wednesday during an interview.

This novel tie-in features the Battle for Theramore which players will experience in-game on September 18th in World of Warcraft live realms.

I recommend everyone to get ahold of this book which serves as a prelude to the Mists of Pandaria expansion. Jaina Proudmoore does a 360 degrees drastic change from a diplomat seeking peace between the Alliance and the Horde into a revenge-driven warmonger toward Warchief Garrosh Hellscream.

Check out our review if you missed it, and our phone interview (audio) with New York Times best selling author Christie Golden.

Excerpt

“Nothing is free, Go’el,” Jaina Proudmoore said. “Your knowledge and skills were bought at a cost. The . . . orc you left behind in your place had done much harm in your absence. If I have heard about what is going on in Orgrimmar and Ashenvale, surely you must have!”

Go’el’s mien, which had been deeply peaceful, now looked troubled. “I have heard, of course.”

“And . . . you do nothing?”

“I have another path,” he said. “You have seen the results of that path. A threat that—”

“Go’el, I hear this, but now that task is over. Garrosh is stirring up trouble between the Alliance and the Horde—trouble that didn’t exist until he started it. I can understand if you don’t wish to undermine him publicly, but—perhaps you and I can work together. Form a summit of sorts. Ask Baine to join us; I know he has no love for what Garrosh is striving for. I could speak with Varian. As of late, he seems to be more reachable. Everyone respects you, even in the Alliance, Go’el. You have earned that respect because of your actions. Garrosh has earned nothing but mistrust and hatred because of his.”

She indicated her cloak, which had blown about with the wind he had sent to bear her to shore. “You can control the winds as a shaman. But the winds of war are blowing, and if we do not stop Garrosh now, many innocents will pay the price for our hesitation.”

***

The ashes of the Cataclysm have settled across Azeroth’s disparate kingdoms. As the broken world recovers from the disaster, the renowned sorceress Lady Jaina Proudmoore continues her long struggle to mend relations between the Horde and the Alliance. Yet of late, escalating tensions have pushed the two factions closer to open war, threatening to destroy what little stability remains in the . . .

Dark news arrives in Jaina’s beloved city, Theramore. One of the blue dragonflight’s most powerful artifacts—the Focusing Iris—has been stolen. To unravel the item’s mysterious whereabouts, Jaina works with the former blue Dragon Aspect Kalecgos. The two brilliant heroes forge an unlikely bond during their investigation, but another disastrous turn of events looms on the horizon. . . .

Garrosh Hellscream is mustering the Horde’s armies for an all-out invasion of Theramore. Despite mounting dissent within his faction, the brazen warchief aims to usher in a new era of Horde domination. His thirst for conquest leads him to take brutal measures against anyone who dares question his leadership.

Alliance forces converge on Theramore to repel the Horde onslaught, but the brave defenders are unprepared for the true scope of Garrosh’s cunning and deceptive strategy. His attack will irrevocably transform Jaina, engulfing the ardent peacekeeper in the chaotic and all-consuming . . . TIDES OF WAR

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The Lorewalkers is a faction in the continent of Pandaria. The initial quest is available at level 90 and requires a flying mount.

To start with the Lorewalkers talk to Lena Stonebrush (Shrine of the Two Moons, Horde) or to Scrollmaker Resshi (Shrine of the Seven Stars, Alliance). Both can be found at the lower level of the Pandaria capital cities in the Vale of Eternal Blossoms.

Personally, I wish this feature was applied to all the continents as an extra option for archaeology, for those who prefer to skip digsites. It's far more fun.

The Lorewalkers

Lena Stonebrush: So you are interested in learning more of the lore of this land? Very well! You should speak to Lorewalker Cho at the Seat of Knowledge. He can be found in the room above the entrance to the Mogu'shan Palace. Speak with Mishi for a ride.

[Intro]

Lorewalker Cho: Who would ever guess how much knowledge was hidden behind these walls. And there is so much more we can add to it.

As you explore our land, keep and eye out for objects of interest that might help us learn more of our past. Piece together enough of our history, and I may be able to share a story or two with you.

[Follow Up]

Loremaster Cho: Ah yes, I can see by your face that you are an eager seeker of stories. You have come to the right place.

Your Private Collection

Pandaria is rich with history, legends, stories, and lore of every sort. While you are traveling throughout the world I would ask that you keep an eye open for artifacts and pieces of information that you feel would be pertinent to our work here.

When you accumulate enough knowledge we will compile it in to a volume for your personal collection here.

You can, of course, return whenever you like to review the volumes we are making for you.

[Quest Objectives]

Clean off the Empty Bookshelf.

Completing this quest unlocks the Lorewalker reputation at Neutral. At this point, players can now start traveling around Pandaria to click scrolls of lore. Each scroll updates an achievement. A completed achievement grants 2016 reputation with the Lorewalkers.

In addition, when the player completes all the scrolls of a specific achievement, Lorewalker Cho will send to your Mailbox an item that starts a quest. Turning in these quests will grant 2996 reputation.

When you turn in the quest of each completed book's achievement, Lorewalker Cho casts Storytime on the player and he plays a reenactment of the story via a hologram.

The following achievement links give you a transcript of the entire book collection, screenshots of the scrolls location, a video of the reenactment, and the coordinate/locations where to find each scroll throughout Pandaria to complete the achievements.

Prince Anduin continues his education in the Exodar with Velen and the draenei — in continuity with the Leader Short Stories: “Velen: Prophet’s Lesson” by Marc Hutcheson.

Kalecgos and the blue dragonflight continue to regret Malygos’ demise, the Nexus War and the Hour of Twilight which is their responsibility due to Arygos’ betrayal and the use of the Focusing Iris to give life to Chromatus — as seen in World of Warcraft: Thrall: Twilight of the Aspects.

Garrosh Hellscream recently set a plan in motion to invade Ashenvale — in the pages of World of Warcraft: Wolfheart by Richard A. Knaak. However, it backfired when the Alliance got word of it and reinforcements came in kind through Theramore marching toward Southern Barrens, Stonetalon Mountains and Ashenvale to respond to Garrosh’s atrocities.

Players have experienced this war in-game in the Cataclysm expansion’s low-level quests.

Garrosh has learned from his mistakes and came up with a master plan to now not only invade Ashenvale, but to take the entire Kalimdor continent for the Horde.

Christie Golden fully benefits from her years of hands-on experience playing World of Warcraft. She is played up to level 75, but still has plenty of material to work with. She used elements from each expansion to add to continuity. Garrosh uses elements from questlines seen in Terrokar Forest (Burning Crusade), Vash’jir (Cataclysm), Coldarra (Wrath of the Lich King) and fused them to mastermind Garrosh’s ultimate plan.

Tides of War is an epic battle between the Alliance and the Horde — rated M, with all the violence, blood and gore.

I was literally surprised by the large amount of characters that either take center stage in the story, or make a cameo. It shows Christie Golden and the Blizzard Creative Team worked really hard with each character that appears in the story and to keep track of continuity.

I’m still unsure about two characters who made a cameo, as they were supposed to be dead long ago, but in general I counted at least 84 characters. Some are established known NPCs who make a cameo, others were created by Christie Golden as they don’t even show up in WoWHead, and few are merely mentioned (i.e. Arthas and Admiral Daelin Proudmoore).

The story mainly focus on the point of view of Warchief Garrosh Hellscream, High-Chieftain Baine Bloodhoof, Lady Jaina Proudmoore, and Kalecgos the blue dragon. Supporting characters who get some relevant screen time in certain chapters are King Varian Wrynn and Thrall.

It’s no longer a spoiler to mention the focus of this book is to lay the groundwork for the destruction of Theramore — coming up in Patch 5.0.4 on August 28th.

This heinous crime is the trigger that starts the war that eventually causes the Alliance and the Horde naval fleets to get stranded within the Mists of Pandaria.

Thus, Tides of War novel serves as a prequel to the events of the upcoming World of Warcraft MMO expansion pack, which is expected to launch in September 25th.

Many changes are to come in the expansion, and I am not truly convinced some of these changes are currently seen in beta servers.

Not only Theramore, which will now become a crater, but even Dalaran might have some changes as well. Significant ones.

The events set in this novel will change Jaina Proudmoore in ways we have never expected, that will put her down the path of hatred and revenge her father Admiral Daelin Proudmoore and her former lover Prince Arthas walked. Will she come to her senses, or seek to return the atrocities of the Horde back at them in kind?

Whichever path she chooses, it will certainly change her forever.

I finished reading the novel. It shook me to the core at an emotion level no other Warcraft novel has at this magnitude. There will be countless loses of life — NPCs we have interacted with since 2004, and characters some players have grown fond with in past Warcraft novels.